A Journey into Dorothy Parker's New York (ArtPlace series)

This book is an unusual creation, equal parts "coffee table book" and truly informative resource. It's well laid-out, with plenty of direct and indirect information and trivia available in well constructed sidebars. Mr. Fitzpatrick's gifts are such that the book is one that will appeal equally to the Parker scholar and to the those who have just stumbled over her reputation for the first time. I recommend it! Eileen Forster Keck Director, Robert Benchley Society

In his years running the Dorothy Parker Society of New York, Kevin Fitzpatrick has gathered astounding details about the New York of Dorothy Parker. Book in hand you walk where Mrs. Parker walked. And best of all, so many of the landmarks --the Algonquin hotel where Mr. Benchley and Mrs. Parker and their Round Table held forth, the apartment buildings in which she lived, the many of the theatres where she reviewed plays-- are still standing and look pretty much as they did in the 1920s and 30s. And for what has been lost Mr. Fitzpatrick supplies photos. The book is full of high-quality vintage photographs, some never before published. The casual reader will find the book visual candy and a delight to read. The Parker or jazz-age scholar will find attention to detail and copious use of original source worthy of an academic tome, but written with a touch as light (and as insightful) as a Parker witicism. I recommend it highly DAVID TRUMBULL Chairman, Robert Benchley Society

I luuuuuuved it! I thought the information, the history, the architecture, the photos, the trivia nuggets---everything was just so interesting and thought-provoking. I was especially struck by the list of sayings/words first attributed to Dorothy Parker. The book ties together so many aspects of New York City in the 1920s. It's educational and fun!

Several years back, I enjoyed the honor and pleasure of attending my inaugural Manhattan meeting with author Kevin C. Fitzpatrick none other than atop the Empire State Building. Mr. Fitzpatrick was, at that time, a long-distance client of mine working as Senior writer/producer for MLB.com and I had flown in from Seattle on business. Our meeting venue, featuring one seriously breathtaking view of that still-unforgettable skyline, was most fitting indeed--as one rarely comes across a greater appreciator of "The City That Never Sleeps." Fitzpatrick's undying, ever-evolving passion for NYC and its amazing history is marvelously depicted in his debut publishing. If ever there was a more quintessential expert on the divine Dorothy Parker and the infamous metropolis she cherished all her life, it is most certainly Fitzpatrick. Meticulously researched, expertly and lovingly written, beautifully illustrated, including rare photos, images, and SO much more, this gem of a book proves both a fascinating and highly entertaining soirée into the very heart and soul of one supremely talented, trailblazing, troubled, genius of a Dame. Fitzpatrick's tribute is a MUST read for anybody hoping to get close and personal with Mrs. Parker's historic literary treasure trove, as well as her life inside AND outside the Algonquin "Vicious Circle." But, and this is really the key, Fitzpatrick also offers readers a truly authentic portraiture of Dorothy's passage through her 1920s Gotham zeitgeist. I find myself hankering a gin Martini, very dry to reflect Dot's wit, whenever I peruse this outstanding first effort.

This is a wonderful guide to the places Dorothy Parker lived and worked, this is not the same old information recycled. This is a great addition to the library of any fan or new reader of Mrs. Parker's work.